4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Terry Pratchett’s profoundly irreverent novels are consistent number one bestseller in England, where they have catapulted him into the highest echelons of parody next to Mark Twain, Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Adams, and Carl Hiaasen.

In this Discworld installment, Death comes to Mort with an offer he can’t refuse — especially since being, well, dead isn’t compulsory. As Death’s apprentice, he’ll have free board and lodging, use of the company horse, and he won’t need time off for family funerals. The position is everything Mort thought he’d ever wanted, until he discovers that this perfect job can be a killer on his love life.

My Thoughts

“There is no justice. There is only me.”

Profound words in this book! This is definitely a different book for the Discworld series. The other’s are full of a lot of snarky wit, silly happenings, magic, action… this instalment of the series is a lot slower and a lot more profound!

It touches on some serious themes of growing up and being held accountable for your actions, be they good or bad.Mort starts out an awkward child who no one wants as an apprentice, his head in the clouds. He had the “sort of body that seemed to be only marginally under its owner’s control; it appeared to be built out of knees.” But, as the story progressed, he begins to take control of his Fate.

The novel also brings up some rather serious thoughts on the reality of Death. The fact the people don’t want to see things that can’t possibly exist, or sometimes they don’t see things that they don’t want to acknowledge. And, the fact that Death is the most powerful force in the universe that can’t be Just, or Fair. There is no right or wrong, there is only Time,

“Listen, said Death, fair doesn’t come into it.You can’t take sides. Good Grief. When it’s time, it’s time. That’s all there is to it, Boy”

There were some silly instances, obviously. I mean, what is Terry Pratchett without a LITTLE fun?? Such as Death attempting to get drunk (I could have taught him a thing or two! Ha ha!)

“Drowning your sorrows, are you?”

I HAVE NO SORROWS.

“No, of course not. Forget I mentioned it.” He gave the glass a few more wipes.” Just thought it helps to have someone to talk to,” he said.

The stranger was silent for a moment, thinking. Then he said: YOU WANT TO TALK TO ME?

“Yes. Sure. I’m a good listener.”

NOON EVER WANTED TOALK TO ME BEFORE.

“That’s a shame.”

THEY NEVER INVITE ME TO PARTIES, YOU KNOW.

“Tch.”

THEY ALL HATE ME. EVERYONE HATES ME. I DON’T HAVE A SINGLE FRIEND.

“Everyone ought to have a friend,” said the barman sagely.

I THINK-

“Yes?”

I THINK…. I COULD BE FRIENDS WITH THE GREEN BOTTLE.

The landlord slid the octagon-bottle along the counter. Death took it and tilted it over the glass. The liquid tinkled on the rim.

YOU DRUNK I’M THINK, DON’T YOU?

Everyone loves a good “Death gets drunk and has an existential crisis” scene!!

The one question I have…. in true, strange, typical Nicole fashion, is… what’s up with the toilet water?? When Mort is getting his hair cut, Death asks for a “bit of toilet water and a shine”. Then, when Mort is knocking on Ysabell’s door she knocks over a bottle oftoilet water on her bedside table… is she drinking it? Is it perfume?? …The things that I notice that consume me!!

An amazing book in the series, and the best part is that it’s easily a stand alone read, as well. There may be a character or two who you will know if you’ve read other books in the series, but it definitely doesn’t matter either way!

CHECK OUT THE REVIEWS FROM THE OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN THE READ-A-THON THIS MONTH!!

Book Beach Bunny

Elnade @ Confessions of a Serial Reader

Kathy @ Pages Below the Vaulted Sky

A Storm of Pages

Meeghan @ Meeghan Reads and Bakes

Mort is Best Served with a Grim Reaper Cocktail

Some of you may remember this drink from my post “It’s a Drity Job, But Someone has to do it!” for “A Dirty Job” by Christopher Moore. But, as it’s almost been a year since that post…. a perfect drink, is a perfect drink!!! I’m away at the moment and did not have the ingredients to replicate the drink and take a new picture… I wish I could have, as I would have added a cherry on a stick to it!

“WHY IS THERE A CHERRY ON A STICK IN THIS DRINK? IT’S NOT AS IF IT DOES ANYTHING FOR THE FLAVOUR. WHY DOES ANYONE TAKE A PERFECTLY GOOD DRINK AND THEN PUT IN A CHERRY ON A POLE?”

Ingredients

• 1oz Kahlua
• 1oz Rum
• 1/2 oz Grenadine

Directions

1. Grab a whisky tumbler and fill with ice
2. Pour in Kahlua
3. Pour in Rum
4. Pour in Grenadine
5. Stir before drinking
6. CHEERS!!